SRGC seed exchange in 2022/2023

[Catwheazle]

Hello, will there be a seed exchange in 2022/2023?
Will the procedure for the EU be like last year?
Greetings
Bernd

[ashley]

Yes I think so Bernd (see here).

[Catwheazle]

Many Thanks 

[Vinny 123]

The information on the link is inaccurate, and possibly incorrect.

Importations of seed into the UK from outside of the EU have been stopped and destroyed (if found) in 2022 if they have had no phyto', as they were in 2021.

I suspect that the intent for 2023 is that the rules will apply to importaions from the EU as of 1st January 2023.

I imported seeds from the EU just a few weeks ago and it was opened and inspected by Customs.
Inspections of imported parcels in general also seem to be far more thorough/regular/predictable than a year or so ago - presumably Customs have employed more people to try to cope.

[Carolyn]

Sorry, Vinny, this is just not true. For example, it was thought a few months ago that seeds from N America would need a photo to enter the UK, but this is not the case this year.

[Vinny 123]

Sorry - this is absolutely true - I have had seeds confiscated and received letters from DEFRA stating so. I have spoken to someone who had seeds confiscated in 2021.

Not everything is always found - I have had a number of shipments get through, but not recently.

[Mariette]

Do donations from EU require a declaration for the customs? (Déclaration en Douane)

[Vinny 123]

In the UK, ALL international parcels require a declaration as to what the parcel contains and a value. Probably the same for the EU.

Letters seem to be ignored.

[Kathy1987]

My parcel from Germany got through. I’ve put a customs declaration on it, so it wouldn’t have been difficult to find for customs…

Have a nice evening all
Kathy

[ashley]

Today I posted seed to the exchange, with a customs declaration specifying 'garden seed'/no commercial value.
Bernd's original question related to seed from the EU & this seems to be no problem, for now at least.

[Vinny 123]

There are currently no requirements for phyto's within EU/UK. The requirement was originally scheduled for introduction something like 2 years ago, but it has been put off.

The requirement for phyto's for seed and plants from the EU, into the UK (and presumably vice versa), is currently scheduled for 2023 - probably January, but it could be postponed again...................

NOTE - nothing in this world has zero value for customs purposes. Literally. If UK Customs find something with a declared zero value or what they believe to be a ficticiously low value, they can allocate a value and charge the recipient accordingly.
There are no allowances for import anymore - that disappeared over a year ago. In theory, almost all imports are liable for VAT plus duty, ON THE WHOLE VALUE OF THE SHIPMENT, including the shipping/postage costs, and if caught for these, there will be an admin' charge of around £10-12 added.

Why my seeds from D were inspected 2-3 weeks ago, I have no idea.

[ashley]

My donation has zero commercial value.  Obviously not no value, to exchange recipients I hope

[Vinny 123]

My donation has zero commercial value.  Obviously not no value, to exchange recipients I hope

Absolutely - commercial outfits sending samples etc. abroad will make a double declaration - no commercial value, supplied FOC, and an actual value.

My PO will not accept a zero valuation, but I have no idea how universal that is as I always use the same PO and never any other courier.

It does not alter the fact that a zero value item being imported from outside the EU, if caught by customs, will still attract charges based on their valuation.

[Jeffnz]

I am aware of issues presented by the US postal service when it comes to sending seed from the US to an overseas recipient. A recent seed posting was sent to me with no US postal declaration as the point of sending,  thankfully arrived here with no delays.
The only way maybe to place a low value on the seed at the US post office.

[Mariette]

Thank You all for Your answers! Today I sent a padded envelope with customs declaration like recommended by Ashley,  and just hope, it will reach its destination in time. Last year I swapped seeds with some forumists in GB, and with or without declaration they arrived sooner or later - later meaning up to 3 weeks later. The German customs seemed to be even more of a problem than the British.